Ultrastructural Analysis of Incinerated Teeth by Scanning Electron Microscope – A Short Study
Introduction: In forensic context precise knowledge on physical and histological changes of teeth subjected to high temperatures is of great importance. Preserving fragile incinerated teeth for physical, histological and ultra structural examinations is essential in fire investigations involving...
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2016-07-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/8101/18130_CE(EK)_F(AK)_PF1(ACAK)_PFA(NC_AK)_PF2(PAG).pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: In forensic context precise knowledge on physical
and histological changes of teeth subjected to high temperatures
is of great importance. Preserving fragile incinerated teeth
for physical, histological and ultra structural examinations is
essential in fire investigations involving the origin of fire, its
cause as well as the identification of victims which relies on
a thorough understanding of the structural changes in dental
tissues subjected to heat.
Aim: The study was conducted to evaluate the physical and
ultrastructural changes seen in freshly extracted teeth when
subjected to gradual heating at different temperatures using
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
Settings and Design: Freshly extracted teeth collected from
subjects of different age groups were subjected to different
temperatures using laboratory furnace and findings were
correlated to the temperature.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 60
healthy freshly extracted teeth belonging to age group between
20-30 years. Group A comprised of control group which
included teeth that were not subjected to heat whereas Group
B, C and D comprised of teeth that were subjected to different
temperatures i.e., 100oC, 300oC and 600oC respectively for a
time of fifteen minutes in laboratory furnace, after which they
were processed for SEM examination. Each group included 15
teeth; 5 anteriors, 5 premolars and 5 molars.
Results: Examination under SEM revealed definite ultra
structural changes which were explicitly seen at particular
temperatures (100oC, 300oC and 600oC). The samples showed
cracks and charring of the tooth structure with ultra structural
findings such as pebbles, granules, dots on enamel surface;
and soap bubble pattern, honey comb pattern and snail track
pattern on cementum surface.
Conclusion: Because of the consistency of morphological
changes and the ultra structural patterns at various temperatures, evaluation of incinerated dental remains using SEM can
provide additional investigative avenues in victim identification
and in the areas of forensic fire investigations. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |